April was unseasonably cold and gray, but our spring sports teams were just warming up, especially our two Athletes of the Month, Emmett Dorval-Hall ’17 and Amelia McMillan ’20.

Emmett Dorval-Hall ’17
Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse

Emmett’s work both on and off the field as a senior captain of the Boys Varsity Lacrosse team has been stellar all season. During the month of April, Emmett filled the stat sheet with 23 goals and 15 assists, helping to lead the team to a 5-4 record. More importantly, Emmett has led his teammates both in both words and actions. Off the turf, Emmett is the Head Proctor in Davidson Hall and a leader on campus. Emmett is a true difference-maker at Gould.

Amelia McMillan ’20
Varsity Softball

Amelia “Little Mac” McMillan has made a quick impact on the Varsity Softball program. As a ninth grader, she has asserted herself as an integral player on the team. A solid defender with a quick first step, Amelia has the ability to track down any fly ball hit to left field and has not made an error all season. Amelia has also been a contributor on the offensive side of the ball, earning one of the highest batting averages on the team. “Amelia is the definition of the term ‘coachable,’” says coach Kristina Stevens P’15. “She listens carefully to advice and implements these tactics immediately. Positive and persistent, she is the type of player every coach wants on a team. A true role model, we are all lucky to learn from Amelia’s quiet determination and unparalleled work ethic every single day.”

Congrats Huskies! Good luck in the playoffs!

The post Athletes of the Month – April 2017 appeared first on Gould Academy.

Gould Math teacher Brett Shifrin P ’19 was recently honored as the 2016 Maine Jump$tart Coalition Financial Educator of the Year. Shifrin is a veteran teacher with over two decades of experience who created the innovative course, “Mathematics of Financial Matters.” The goal of the course is to introduce students to financial literacy as they become adults.

Along with the award, Shifrin received an all-expense paid trip to attend the National Jump$tart Educator Conference in Dallas, Texas, as well as a $500 financial education grant from Machias Savings Bank. The Jump$tart Coalition is a national organization with chapters in every state that partners with businesses, financial institutions, schools, government agencies, and non-profits to “work together to educate and prepare our nation’s youth for lifelong financial success.”

Mr. Shifrin accepts his award from the Maine Jump$tart Coalition.

Shifrin’s student Nick D’Amico ’18 testified how relevant Shifrin’s course is to the real world, and how fun and useful the course is for him:

“I can truly incorporate what I learn in class into the real world. Learning about the stock market and how to use spreadsheets is very important since finance is something that I am interested in pursuing in the future. Mr. Shifrin does a great job creating fun and useful activities to help us learn. We video conferenced with Idin Dalpour ’03, a Gould alumnus who is now working in New York City as a real estate investor. He helped us to better understand the idea of ‘leverage,’ which we were studying in class during that time.”

“I can truly incorporate what I learn in class into the real world.”

– Nick D’Amico ’18

Shifrin was nominated for the award by Mathematics Department Chair Andee Alford P ’18, ’20. She noted that his course development has come through innovative thinking, professional development, and plain hard work. “Brett has done a tremendous amount of professional development in financial literacy. He attends the Maine state financial literacy course yearly, he is enrolled in a financial planning course from Boston University right now, and he involves students in The Stock Market Game, in fact, two of his students won for the whole state of Maine this year.” said Alford.

Gould students Richie Hoge ’17 and Nate Baroni ’17 finished in first place in the year-long high school division, and will be honored at the University of Southern Maine later this month.

“When Mr. Shifrin announced to our Calculus class that we could participate in the mock portfolio game I was really excited.” offered Hoge. “I have always had an interest in trading and thought it was a great opportunity to get some experience. I read a Barron’s article about trading ETN’s (Exchange Traded Notes), which give you a return on commodities like oil and gold, or an index like the S&P 500. We had steady gains throughout the year but it was a roller coaster at times, like election night. We knew we had it in the bag when the S&P hit all time highs in February. I still can’t stop thinking about how much money we could have made if it was real. Wall Street, here we come!”

Machias Savings Bank presents Mr. Shifrin with a check for Gould.

President of the Jump$tart Coalition Mary Dyer echoed D’Amico’s sentiments, “Brett’s dedication to financial education is making a difference in the lives of his students, and that is a gift worthy of recognition,” said Dyer. “The board was impressed by his innovation, and commitment to helping students and the community to better understand financial education.”

Congrats Brett. We’re impressed too.

The post Brett Shifrin Honored as Maine’s Top Financial Literacy Educator appeared first on Gould Academy.

The 2017 New England Road Cycling League Champions

The 2017 New England Road Cycling League Championship race was held in picturesque Franconia Notch, New Hampshire. Notoriously known as the “Hell of the North”, this race offered Gould riders a 23-mile tour of the White Mountains as well as an intimate tour of their own personal hurt-lockers.

Less than three miles into the race, riders were faced with a wall of pavement rising over 600 feet in less than a mile and half. Racers thoroughly torched their legs on this climb and continued along a saw blade of intense downhills and abrupt, hurtful climbs, with gnarly dirt road sections to add to the intensity. This race tested every racers’ ability to manage their physical and mental stamina, each hoping to have enough energy remaining for the final mile-long climb to the finish.

We arrived early to allow for careful course inspection, thorough preparation of bikes, and plenty of opportunity to warm-up for the start. Race-prep paid off, as many Gould racers had their best results of the season.

Girls’ Results

All five C-girls finished in the top ten; including Lindsey Lucas ’18 and Taylor Mull ’20 who crossed the line elbow to elbow, tied for first place. Mia Shifrin ’19 was close behind finishing 5th, Elise Leary-Forey ’18 in 8th and Kat Dade ’19 in 9th. All of the Gould A-girls finished in the top ten as well, lead by Lilo Bean ’19 who finished 4th. Olivia Erwich ’18 was just over a minute behind finishing 6th. Steph Nichols ’18 and Adalia Flores ’18 rounded out the top ten at 9th and 10th.

Lindsey Lucas and Mia Shifrin work together to distance the girls field of racers.

Boys’ Results

Donnie Seib ’17 and Sam McMillan ’17 finished their last prep school road race right with the lead pack. Donnie paced himself perfectly throughout the race and was just nipped at the line in the final sprint. Donnie earned 6th place overall in A-boys, just 2 seconds out of first. Sam finished in 8th place, just 7-seconds off the winning time. Keenan Miller ’18 crossed the line first for Gould in the B-boys race, earning an 8th place finish. Keisuke Yoshida ’19, Ben Alford ’18 and Jasper Lagoyda ’17 finished 18th, 19th, and 23rd respectively.

Sam McMillan in the middle of the pack

The race constituted the league finals and the points earned counted double. Going into the race in third place, Gould delivered a stellar performance, earned the win and topped the season points tally. In a sport known to most for individual glory, a team of two dozen Gould cyclists raced well collectively and earned the New England Cycling League 2017 Championship title.

Head coach Jay Riley had this to say about the team:

“We train and race on challenging terrain in bad weather, and the schools we beat are much bigger than we are. The kids that score most of the points for us come from all different athletic backgrounds. To race a road bike is to brew a complicated stew of vocabulary, equipment, monotony, precision, frenzy, beauty, and pain. On its best days, the reward is endorphins and maybe a deeper understanding about yourself. That insight is not always kind and comforting. This is a hard sport. Our kids are strong, gutsy, and resilient.”

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The wood kiln lights up the night

On Tuesday, May 23, the ceramics Alternative Firing class, along with students in the year-long wheel throwing pottery classes, spent the day firing Gould’s cross-draft, wood-burning kiln. Wood Kiln Firing is an intense process and can be a community event. Here’s how it went down.

Unfinished ceramics are loaded into the kiln. Note the “wadding” under the pieces to prevent fusing to the shelf

Preparation

In preparation for the firing, the students spent the term making many different pottery forms that would be put into the kiln. There were a variety of mugs, bowls, pitchers, covered jars, and teapots. A week before the firing, our class hauled a cord of firewood split by my father and Gould alumnus, Dan Grover ’63. All of the wood was used to fuel the kiln during the 17-hour firing. The wood not only fuels the kiln but also provides a glaze coating on the surface of the pottery.

How Wood Kiln Firing Works

As the wood burns, the ash is transported through the kiln on the tips of a ten-footlong flame. As the flame moves through the pottery, like water flowing through rocks in a stream, the ash is deposited on the leading edges of the pottery. As the ash builds up on the surfaces, and as the temperature exceeds 2250 degrees Fahrenheit, the ash begins to melt and form a unique glaze.

The Big Day

On a rainy Monday evening the day before the firing, my husband Joshua, students from the Alternative Firing class, and I met to load the pottery into the kiln. Each piece was carefully positioned on the kiln shelves for maximum surface effect results. Every piece had to be propped up on small pea-sized balls of “wadding,” a refractory clay like material that would prevent the melted wood ash from fusing the ware to the kiln shelf during the firing.

Feeding the Fire

The firing began at 7:00 am Tuesday morning and continued until nearly midnight. Throughout the day, the students and I took shifts to continually stoke wood into the kiln. Early in the firing, two small sticks of wood measuring approximately 2” x 2” x 24” were put into the kiln’s firebox every three minutes. Joshua and Sean Xie ’17 arrived at noon to help get the kiln up to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit. Stoking increased to two sticks every two to three minutes.

The warm glow of 2300º F

Throughout the afternoon Matt Chiasson ’17, Noah Grammas ’18, Elise Leary-Forrey ’18, Madsie Fisher ’18, Eva McMillan ’18, Pablo Borunda ’18, Emily Halporn ’17, Julia Harding ’19, and Molly Lento ’18 took shifts firing the kiln. By dusk, the kiln was up to 2200 degrees Fahrenheit, and even my studio intern Sasha Lennon stopped by to help stoke along with a number of students who passed through to check out the firing. By that point, wood needed to be added nearly every minute. A call and response formed as students on the front of the kiln watched the pyrometer that monitored the kiln’s internal temperature. When the temperature started to peak and then decline, indicating the need for more fuel, they called out “stoke.” Students on the rear of the kiln would respond “stoke,” and then add more wood to the firebox. They continued for hours calling out “stoke” or “stir and a stoke,” when the coals in the firebox needed to be agitated.

Matt Chiasson ’17 opens the kiln brick by brick to reveal the finished work

Pass the Salt

Around 9 pm the first “salt burrito” was added to the kiln. A “salt burrito” is a pound of table salt poured onto a piece of newspaper that is then rolled up like a burrito. This package is then stuffed into the firebox. Immediately upon entry, the paper combusts and the salt volatilizes and becomes a vapor in the kiln. The vapor, like the wood ash, flows through the kiln and deposits on the surface of the pottery. The sodium vapor fluxes and becomes a glaze on the pottery. This burrito process was repeated six times over the next two hours. The kiln reached its final temperature of over 2300 degrees Fahrenheit, or “Cone 10” in ceramic terms, around 11:30 pm. At that point, senior Sean Xie, added the final piece of wood and the kiln was closed up and left to cool down naturally over the course of the next day.

The Results

On Thursday morning during their class, the Alternative Firing students met to unload the wood kiln and inspect the results. Everyone was pleased at the unique and unpredictable surfaces created in the atmosphere of the wood kiln.

The process can be repeated many times, but the results are always unique to each firing. The results can be affected by the placement of pottery in the kiln, length of firing, wood used, type of clay used, level of reduction atmosphere inside the kiln, rate of temperature increase and decrease, and even the weather. Wood kiln firing is a rite of passage and a yearly event at Gould, but the end results are as distinctly unique as the students themselves.

The Alternative Firing class looks over their beautifully finished work.

The post It Takes a Village – Wood Kiln Firing appeared first on Gould Academy.

There shouldn’t be a choice between science or art. Math or Art. Engineering or Art. Art inspires technology. Art gives technology form and function. Adding the “A” in STEAM means adding in creativity and problem-solving.

Unlock Your Creative Confidence

The culture of STEAM is interdisciplinary—it uses art to unlock the mysteries of science; it uses design to explain data; it uses empathy to motivate investigation. Collaboration and team building contribute to energy to tackle huge challenges and the confidence that we can figure this out together. As an educator, building these self-efficacy skills are vital and accomplished effectively in an art inspired, tech supported, let’s go do this environment.

Gould Academy’s STEAM Ahead for Girls! Summer Program

STEAM camp allows girls to explore ideas with no boundaries and to get introduced to new tools and techniques without the stress of assessment. All of the teamwork and creativity in the camp helps campers bond, celebrate each other’s strengths, and gain confidence in sharing ideas of their own. Through making and problem solving they will learn how to be leaders and change makers.  

How creativity and action lead to being a changemaker.

Last summer our campers worked with professional photographer Shelley Bowen, learning techniques such as lighting and shot angles for portrait shots, Adobe Lightroom editing, and skills in making wall mount gallery wraps.  After learning these techniques, we spent the day crafting a photo shoot at the Maine Immigration and Refugee Services Center and taking portraits of new Mainers. Back in the IDEAS Center, the campers went to work to create a 24 portrait installation for the Center. In 48 hours, the campers realized they have the capacity to learn new skills and abilities to make a positive change in a community. Now, new Mainers are greeted by the faces of their community!

Summer is for unplugging from the routine of school and unleashing your creativity! As a teacher for over 25 years, I always hear students say they wish they had more time in school to create and just do things for fun. I agree!

Learn More & Register for STEAM Ahead for Girls!

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Things to bring and things to leave at home

It may seem far off now but you will all be arriving here in no time and we can’t wait.

SHOPPING, I am sure is at the top of the list …clothes, room items and decorations!

As you pack for school, remember you are sharing space and it is limited. YOUR ROOMMATE, you ask? Yes, we are determining that and it is so exciting, as you will meet them on Registration Day!

YOUR ROOM? Each room has a closet, dresser, desk and chair and a bed.

 The COMMUNITY GUIDE will provide you with more information and will be available by the end of July.

Here are a few things to start thinking of as you get ready to come to Gould.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

• a desk light
• a power strip
• twin mattress cover
• alarm
• pillows
• blankets/quilt
• towels
• laundry bag
• shower basket(to keep shower items together)
• 2 sets of twin sheets
• cell phone

Some room organization tips:

• plastic storage containers designed specifically for under a bed
• Small sets of plastic drawers make great bed side tables/ organizers
• multi-pocketed shoe holders to hang over a door are great for products-make-up, shampoo, jewelry, scarves

WHAT SHOULD I NOT BRING?

• refrigerators
• microwaves
• hot pots
• heating appliances
• electric blankets
• sub-woofers
• decorative lights-Christmas string/icicle lights, spotlights, LED strip lights
• nails and thumb tacks are not allowed in the walls
• candles

CLASSROOM DRESS CODE

BOYS

DOS:

• collared shirts/dress oxford shirts
• Gould sweatshirts are acceptable
• dress slacks, khakis/chinos, corduroys, neat jeans
• dress shoes, sandals, sneakers, boots

DON’TS:

• t-shirts
• sweatpants
• Non-Gould sweatshirts
• flip-flops
• sport/shower sandals

GIRLS

DOS:

• collared shirts/dress oxford shirts, jewel neck knit shirts
• Gould sweatshirts are acceptable
• dress slacks, skirts (no shorter than mid-thigh in length), khakis/chinos, corduroys and neat jeans
• dress shoes, sandals,sneakers,boots

DON’TS:

• tank tops
• sweatpants
• Non-Gould sweatshirts
• sport/shower sandals

WHAT DO I NEED FOR FORMAL DINNER NIGHT ?

BOYS:  Dress shoes, sports jacket, dress slacks, ties, plain dress shirt

GIRLS: Dress shoes, dress or/skirt/blouse

WHERE CAN I DO LAUNDRY?

•  Washers and dryers are available for students to do their own laundry. Money can be loaded on a card at the bookstore to use the machines. Some choose Norway Laundry Service which provides delivery twice a week.

More Information!

Remember to check out the Enrollment Essentials webpage for more information and important links, downloads, and forms.

FINALLY, I am sure you have many more questions for us! Feel free to email any questions you may have to admissions@gouldacademy.org.

See you then and happy shopping!

-The Admissions Team

The post New Student Information: What to Bring appeared first on Gould Academy.

Why Gould? I have been asked that question many times since I had accepted and taken over as the Dean of Community Life on the first of July. Like many things in life, there is no one clear cut defining moment, but rather a conglomeration of events sprinkled with opportunity and timing.

Taking the dogs out for a walk on campus.

For Rebecca and I, this journey started in June of 2016 when Rebecca came to Gould to interview for a Math position. Not only was Rebecca looking to change schools, but we had decided it was time for me to retire from the Navy and start another phase of life. At 42, I was way too young to “retire,” and I felt like I had a lot to contribute based off my life experiences over the past two decades. As I looked back over my career, I quickly realized the jobs that were the most satisfying to me were the ones where I got to see my junior officers and enlisted personnel grow and flourish. I was proud when I could give them clear intent, and they would go forward and execute flawlessly. I had also seen the influence Rebecca has had on her students’ lives, and this made me think that a transition to education might just fit my desired career change.   

At Gould, I was immediately awestruck by two things. The beauty of the campus, and how much the staff cared and invested in the success of each student. I had been able to see many schools over the past 21 years as Rebecca followed me around in my Naval Career, none had the sense of community life that radiated at Gould. Rebecca and I both agreed, this was not just a place where we could see her fit in, it was a place we could see both of us invest our time and energy for years to come.

Soon after I started, I attended the TABS (The Association of Boarding Schools) conference, and I experienced another aha moment that told me I had made the right decision to come to Gould. The presenter was talking about the “Why.” The premise is that we as administrators and educators spend a lot of time on the what and how, but for students to truly understand a topic, policy, or decision, they need to be able to understand and relate to the “why.” As a leader in the military, you spend most of your time explaining the “why” so that those below you will not just follow blindly, but rather with purpose and conviction. As the Dean of Community Life, I will have the same opportunity to work with the Student Leadership to fully explain the “why” so they can go forward and lead with purpose. I am excited about the upcoming school year, excited to connect with students in the community, in the classroom, and on the sports field, always ready to explain the “why.”  

The post How the Navy Prepared Me for Gould Community Life appeared first on Gould Academy.

The Gould Academy Board of Trustees welcomed three alumni to its ranks this past May when Samuel W. Adams ’77, P’18, Richard Foyston ’75, P’13, and Pamela M. Senese ’82 were elected to serve.

Samuel W. Adams

Sam is a proud Gould alumnus and, along with his wife Kelly, the parent of Nick ’18. Both Sam and Kelly are active members of the Gould Parents Association, and Sam has been involved with Gould for many years, including serving on the Gould Academy Alumni Board. Currently, Sam is the Managing Director of Woodhull Capital Advisors, a business consulting firm located in Freeport, Maine. Sam has an undergraduate degree from Kenyon College and a law degree from Washington & Lee University and has held several positions in corporate law and finance. Sam is also on the Board of Trustees at the Maine Island Trail Association and is an avid fly fisherman, sailor, and skier.

“As a current parent, alumnus, and representative of the Alumni Board, I’m honored to serve Gould as a Trustee,” says Sam. “Gould has given so much to our family; it is an indelible part of our lives. It’s wonderful to have the chance to give back in this way.”

Richard Foyston

Rick is a native of Canada but currently lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where he is the Chairman of Navis Capital Partners and one of the firm’s three founders. With offices in six countries across southeast Asia, Navis is one of the region’s largest private equity firms. Before co-founding Navis, Rick was a partner with The Boston Consulting Group where he worked in the firm’s Boston, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur offices. After graduating from Gould, Rick received an undergraduate degree from Queen’s University in Canada and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Rick is the father of four, including daughter, Zahara ’13, also a Gould graduate and currently a student at the University of British Columbia.

“I’m delighted to find myself interconnecting with Gould for the third time – first as a student, later as a parent, now as a Trustee. With so much going on in the world, there is perhaps as much urgency as ever to prepare our young people to be ready to shape their future, as well as ours! I’m convinced that Gould has a vital role to play.”

Pamela M. Senese

Pamela has been an active and engaged alumna almost since graduation day in June of 1982. A professional educator since 1987, Pamela is currently a first-grade teacher at Dedham Country Day School in Dedham, MA where she has taught for the last 15 years. During her 30 year career, Pamela has also taught at The Park School, Tenacre Country Day School, Dana Hall School, and Nashoba Brooks School. Pamela holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College and has volunteered on the Wheelock College Alumni Association. Pamela has served Gould in several capacities, including four terms on the Alumni Board of Trustees, Class Agent, and Class Reunion Co-Chair. Pamela was the recipient of the Gould Academy Alumna of the Year Award in 1997. Pamela is an active skier and spends most of her winter weekends on the slopes at Sunday River.

“I have always considered the Gould community as an extension of my family. Over the years it has remained a constant in my life, and I look forward to supporting the mission of the school in my new role.”

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Growing up, as soon as summer break began, I could not wait to get to camp. Now I am in my twenty-third summer at Camp Winona, and I still cannot wait to get to camp. Activities like kayaking, canoeing, and camp craft beckoned me back as a camper. Leading trips on the Upper Kennebec, Allagash, and Webster Stream/Grand Lake Matagamon motivated my return as a young counselor. Now as a veteran staff member, a new role at Winona inspires me to hurry back to the shores of Moose Pond as soon as summer break begins.

I have been asked how it is that I can go from “teaching all year to spending summer vacation working at a camp,” and “don’t [I] need a break from the kids?” The simple answer is, “No.” I don’t need a break because my two jobs as an educator are really quite different. While at summer camp, I am afforded the opportunity to see the best side of a group of adolescents – the side that is not conflicted by any stress from homework, teachers, peer groups, romance, technology, parents, practices, etc. In the summer, I become the kind of educator I aspire to be the rest of the year. I become an instructor of the life skills that will make these adolescents more prepared to manage the stresses associated with their life outside of camp. I become a guide and a mentor who delivers staunch content, the kind of content that can’t be assessed with exams or papers, content that results in burgeoning feelings of confidence, purpose, and integrity.

Focused discussion on the Tent Counseling Role

I am now in my sixth summer directing Winona’s Counselor-In-Training program. Though the CITs hone their skills as activity instructors, the number one lesson of the summer is how to put the needs of others before their own needs. Not surprisingly, this is a novel concept for most of my CITs at the start of camp. However, during their seven-week summer, each CIT will make tremendous strides in recognizing that they are part of a community, not the center of the Universe. They learn to take care of each other, and in doing so, they are taking care of themselves. Plus, they learn the intoxicating power of positivity and the gravitational pull that comes from genuine kindness.

“They learn to take care of each other, and in doing so, they are taking care of themselves. Plus, they learn the intoxicating power of positivity and the gravitational pull that comes from genuine kindness.”

CITs sing a song during their Sunday Service

I’ll be honest with you; I have it pretty easy as the director of the CIT program. The CIT class rarely exceeds twenty-four participants. Each participant has intrinsic motivation thanks to their own loving relationship with Winona.  Also, I have terrific facilities at my disposal to create the best possible learning opportunity for my CITs. Skill specific training at the beginning of the summer gives way to discussions about successful teaching pedagogy and different learning styles. The CITs put their education immediately into practice when they assist in activities each day. Some of the tactics they learn work, while others do not – and the feedback loop is almost immediate. Each night the CITs share memorable events from the day, both the good and the bad so that they can all learn from each other’s experiences. Most importantly for me, the CITs share an honest interest in helping campers navigate challenges and find success. 

Charlie shares stories with Junior campers

This summer is bittersweet for me as it will be my last summer for a while. Next summer I will marry the love of my life; though I am excited to begin a wonderful adventure with her, I will be sad to not return to the pines of Winona. However, I am grateful that I had the pleasure of working for Uncle Al Ordway, the gentleman for whom Gould’s dining hall is named. I am grateful that my classroom teaching informs my approach to instruction at Winona, and my experience at Winona informs my role at Gould. Wherever I go in life, I carry the Winona Way with me, and that has made all the difference.

The post The Winona Way or What I Did on My Last 23 Summer Vacations appeared first on Gould Academy.

I often look calm when I’m not. That was the scene seven years ago when Kathy and I first visited Gould. I can still feel it. We were excited and hopeful. It was an interview for a dream job at a dream school. But there I was, in the place I wanted to be with a fast pulse and tight chest.

Some of you may feel this way when you arrive. It’s normal. I won’t tell you to ignore it; you can’t. But let me share some things that might help.

Gould – Campus Aerial View

You’ve chosen Gould, and we have chosen you. You’ve visited campus, interviewed, studied the website, scoured the web, talked with family and friends about your decision, met people, and can see yourself thriving here. We are thrilled that you’re coming. Trust your decision.

Gould Life

The people here are warm and kind. Sit at any lunch table and strike up a conversation; you won’t be disappointed. Part of my interview process was to sit and chat with 30 Gould students about anything they had in mind. They were warm, cared about their school, and just wanted to understand me. I really fell in love with them when one asked: “Who’s your favorite Harry Potter character?” We laughed, and conversation flowed (BTW, it’s Ron. Stop by to find out why). Trust the people.

Gould Life – 9th Grade Program

You can do hard things, and you won’t do them alone. You’re clearly brave and owning your future by coming to Gould. You’ll face challenges here that will stretch you. Sometimes you will fail, and life will throw curve balls. It will happen to everyone, even people you think have it all under control. You can do these hard things. And at every turn, you will have friends, an advisor, teachers, coaches, and dorm parents to lean on, commiserate with, and seek help and advice from. Trust yourself.

We can’t wait to see you here. It’s going to be a wonderful year, and you will grow and do great things.

See you soon.

Mr. Ruby

The post The Cornerstone | Thoughts for New Students appeared first on Gould Academy.

Interests/Hobbies Skiing, Rafting, Hiking, Playing music with great musicians

At Gould, I am a Spanish Teacher, Ski Patrol Co-Director, Spring Musical Director, Advisor, Advisory Team Leader

My Spirit Animal is an Emperor Penguin

The post GouldSPOTLIGHT | Doug Alford appeared first on Gould Academy.

Name: Courtney Cook
High School: Archbishop Hoban High School
College/Grad School: B.A. Kent State University Literature and Composition;
M.F.A. George Mason University Creative Writing
At Gould, I am an English teacher, Fall Drama Co-Director, Winter Rugrats Faculty
Proudest Achievement: Becoming a teacher
Last book I read: Currently working on A Walk In the Woods by Bill Bryson
Movie I would recommend: The Lobster directed by Yorgos Lanthimos
Favorite food: Fresh fruits and vegetables. And cheeseburgers.
One word that describes me: Compassionate
The best advice I ever received: Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle. -Plato
Why Gould? I fell in love with Gould when I visited here for an interview last March. I am inspired daily by the dedication and enthusiasm of our diverse student population and feel at home in our tight, caring community of learners and educators.
The last thing you crossed off your bucket list is Traveling around Andalusia
My interests/hobbies include: Skiing, hiking, camping/backpacking, reading, writing, cooking, swimming
My spirit animal is an Orca

The post GouldSPOTLIGHT | Courtney Cook appeared first on Gould Academy.

Name: Tracey Wilkerson

High School: Kent Place School

College/Grad School: Middlebury College

At Gould, I am a teacher of Spanish language and cultures. I am a teacher of Food Science and Systems. I am a teaching farmer and director of Farm and Forest. I am an advisor for a few pretty awesome kids and their families. I am an advisor for the student-led environmental group, Gould Goes Green. I am a weekend opportunity maker. I am a study hall dorm coach. I am a dog scratcher.

Proudest Achievement: Recently… launching and sustaining Gould’s Veterinary Science Immersion Camps. I don’t know of any other veterinary science camp that offers as much authentic hands-on experience as Gould’s. Pretty awesome to have our own farm to partner with the Vet Science programs.

Harvesting honey in Food Science and Systems

Last book I read: The Circus Ship, by Chris Van Dusen. A boat, carrying a circus, is traveling through Maine coastal waters when the ship wrecks on a shoal in the fog. The circus animals make their way to a small island, where they become part of the community. Bedtime still includes book reading and story telling for our kids.

My soundtrack is: Depends and changes. Right now, if I’m making dinner it’s likely to be Jack Johnson. If I’m cleaning the house, Contemporary Bollywood. I don’t understand the words, but it’s hard not to move with Bollywood dance music in the background!

Movie I would recommend: Favorite move is still Dances with Wolves. Remember the part when the horse, Cisco, comes back? Yup, me too.

Favorite food: Favorite? Whoa. Eating is experience, and I savor all experience. Gotta say though, I think I found my favorite foods when I was in China with Gould students. Such a variety of flavors, textures, temperatures, spices…

One word that describes me: Authentic

Best advice I ever received: Try it. And I did. Again and again.

Why Gould? There are so many ways for students to be good at something at Gould. We’re all about academics here, but not ONLY about academics. Kids are encouraged to live full and live well here. They’re encouraged to explore and discover things they care about. They’re allowed and expected to be different from each other, and acceptance is the norm. Our students treat each other well, and that’s a culture that’s easy to support 100%.

What’s the last thing you crossed off your bucket list? I don’t have a bucket list. I can’t imagine saying, “well, that’s done… CHECK! On to the next.” In my reality, one experience leads to another, and another and another. Bucket list seems to imply “one and done.” It has a terminal implication that doesn’t sit well with me. My real “bucket” list? Have dinner with my family. Roast marshmallows as the sun sets. Work so hard that the sweat pours. Offer help when it’s not expected. Accept a compliment. Listen like nothing else matters. Seek the steepest part of my learning curve. Keep my eyes, ears, heart, and passport open.

Hanging at the Barn

What are your interests/hobbies? Farming. Small-scale responsible forestry. Animals. Skiing. I love animals, and I love farming. We have a grass-based farm ten minutes outside of town. Rotating our cattle through green pastures and making/feeding hay keeps us busy. And horses. Everything associated with horses keeps me happy. Right now we have 3. Teddy, an off-track thoroughbred who can go all day, dance fancy, or gallop and jump. Lance, a draft cross who is an all-terrain unflappable tank. Dinah, a Percheron mare who has been a teaching partner at Gould’s farm for many years. She has worked as a woods horse, a farm-chore horse, a fancy wedding horse, and a riding horse. Working with horses/animals and people feeds my soul and fills my sails.

What is your spirit animal? Elefante

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Outward Bound staff training 2001, Hurricane Island

I was first introduced to experiential education in high school when I begged my parents to enroll me in an Outward Bound (OB) course. I chose a 21-day kayaking/sailing course in late July of 1999. Even though I had self-selected to participate in the OB course I was pushed and challenged in many ways – mostly socially. I remember wanting the course, to never end and the group of people who I had bonded with to never forget. This experience, unbeknownst to me, had prepared me for coping with struggles and disappointments in my senior year of high school that may have otherwise been devastating.

Junior Four Point 2017, Rumford White Cap

Now more than ever, I realize the importance of being prepared for the social and emotional challenges that later adolescence and early adulthood present. As an advisor, activity leader, teacher, and adult at Gould I continue to live these struggles each year. When I work with students on orientation trips, afternoon hikes with the outing club, at Sunday River with ski patrol, and on Junior Four Point, it is crucial to help them identify how their reactions and skills help frame each new challenge. Later follow-up conversations entail asking questions and pushing self-reflection.

OB sailing course 2003, Penobscot Bay

In college, my desire to get back to Outward Bound was stronger than ever, and I applied to be an instructor in 2001. Staff training the following spring was more challenging physically and mentally than my initial OB course and left me stronger and more mentally tough than I would otherwise be. For instance, intentionally capsizing a 30’ pulling boat underway in 50º F Penobscot Bay water, then righting it, and bailing it in full foul weather gear will be a moment forever etched in my memory. But yet again, I finished that training feeling bullet-proof and more closely connected to my fellow new instructors than any other friendships in my life thus far. I was hooked, I worked six summers following, attended staff training in Florida and during my March breaks instructed sailing courses in the Florida Keys. I also incorporated my passion for experiential education in my college work declaring a double major in History and Fine Arts with a European Studies minor. I studied abroad in London for a semester where I worked with a foundation that created sporting clubs and events for people with disabilities all around Greater London. I went back to school determined to anchor my thesis around the development of progressive education in the United States which led me to write a biography of Kurt Hahn. For this project, I was approved for a study grant to travel to the Gordonstoun School in Scotland and research directly from their archives.

Orientation 2017, Goose Eye

This part of my life was very formative for me. However, it continues to shape my personal philosophy and pedagogy of education. In all of my past experiences learning is most powerful when it is authentic and meaningful, when there are both individual and social challenges to overcome, where honest feedback is provided in a timely fashion, and trust is shared among the community. Sitting on a pulling boat, on a damp foggy morning, after just dipping in the water, and sipping cowboy coffee is not my happy place because it is romantic, but because it offers a shared experience for the instructors and students. Each person sharing the space is committed to the cause, and crucial to the equation.

Ski Patrol 2017, Sunday River

These moments are also felt at Gould between our students and faculty. When Junior Point solo is over, and kids and adults engage in a dialog about personal challenges and group goals, or in Ski Patrol when students learn to pull toboggans on challenging terrain and struggle to trust themselves but with careful and thoughtful teachers are able to navigate the glade. I am also proud that visiting Hurricane Island and working with the Hurricane Island Foundation for Science and Leadership in the spring has become a tradition at Gould. This is an opportunity for students to hone their leadership skills, get a taste of marine science, and embrace a powerful and special community. Students come away from this experience with new skills, friendships, and goals for their future.  In each case, careful planning, direct feedback, and thoughtful reflection are crucial to the experiential learning process. Experiential education happens at Gould and I am excited to see how it can be taken further with authentic learning opportunities for our students.

10th grade trip to Hurricane Island, 2015

Team and boat building exercise on the 2017 Hurricane Island trip

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Lexi Ordway ’21 & Ryan Beckerman ’19 Named Athletes of the Month for September 2017

Lexi Ordway ’21

Girls’ Varsity Soccer

Lexi Ordway has been a goal scoring machine thus far this season, with 9 goals in 7 games, including back-to-back hattricks against White Mountain School and Rothesay Netherwood School. She is tenacious in the attack and combines skill and aggression to put the ball in the net.  

Ryan Beckerman ’19

Cross Country Running

At the Manchester Invitational in the Boy’s Seeded race against perhaps the most talented field of boy’s assembled at a cross country invitational in the East this year, Ryan raced to a PR of 17:37 seconds and had one of the largest drops in times among all of our boys. He ran his own race, not distracted by the hundreds of fleet feet surrounding him and constantly challenged himself, pushing the pace when he felt tired. Ryan was able to successfully push his limits until the very end and sprinted in with a time that beats his lifetime best in XC by one minute and 35 seconds!

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2017 Open House – Marlon Family IDEAS Center

Over my 5 plus years as a Director of Admissions, and now as an Assistant Head of School, I have been asked on numerous occasions to share my thoughts about how students should choose a school and the application process. In the end, I reflect back on my experience as a nervous thirteen-year-old boy who was enamored by the idea of boarding school but knew nothing about them or the application process. So, reflecting back on my time as an independent school professional coupled with my own process of applying to boarding schools back in 1997, I humbly share these few ideas in the hope to be of help in some small way.

Picture Yourself There

Last year, I worked with a student that was from California. They had only gone to day schools located in metropolitan areas and with a warm climate. However, he was also someone that loved hiking, whose favorite subject was computer science, and most memorable family experience was backcountry skiing near Truckee. Suffice it to say, attending a small boarding school in rural Maine was initially not his first choice, however, after visiting campus and seeing Gould in action, he quickly changed his mind.

Before applying or even interviewing at any school, try and find a time to visit. I always recommend attending an Open House, here at Gould we will have another Open House on Friday, November 10th. If you cannot attend an Open House try and find a time to visit the campus informally, walk around during a weekend or when a game is taking place. These informal experiences will allow you to see the school honestly and how it operates on most days.

Names Everyone Knows

I had a friend go to Deep Springs College and Brown University; most people know Brown but not many know Deep Springs. That said, it was Deep Springs that had the more profound and transformational impact on his life. So, I would encourage everyone to try and find one school that most might not know but that could be the perfect fit for you.

In the end, choosing the right school is about finding a community where you will thrive not about having a bumper sticker that is recognizable on the highway.

Being You Means Being Memorable

The students that I like talking with the most are those that are comfortable in their own skin and their authentic selves throughout the admission process. I vividly remember a student last year pulling out a deck of cards and asking if he could do a few magic tricks. Twenty minutes later, he was still doing magic tricks, and during that time we were able to talk about his other passions and how studying card tricks was how he had learned how to do hard things well.

Another memorable moment happened when after a series of questions about academic and residential programming a student said they had one last question, which was “Do you have pizza here every day at lunch? Because pizza is my favorite food.”

As an interviewer, it is easy to tell which students are faking it and those that are being their authentic selves. So, I encourage you to be your authentic self during the interview not only is this easiest for you but it will leave a better impression on the admission officer you are meeting with.

Ask Hard Questions, Seek Authentic Answers

I love talking with students and families that ask hard questions and who are looking for honest and real answers. I probably am drawn to these students and families because they are the types of people that fit with the culture of Gould and will do well here. Two of the best questions I got last year were, (1) Why did you choose to work at Gould? (2) Gould is not perfect, so what are the three things you think need to change for Gould to become a better school?

Asking hard questions will help to ensure that you get to know the true ethos and culture of a school. No school is perfect but great schools are honest and able to talk openly about what they do well and where they need to improve.

Know Your Non-Negotiables

Traveling last week I met an incredible student; he was someone that had all the virtues and skills that we look for in Gould students. When I asked him, what his next school had to have his first answer was, ‘hockey” he then went on to tell me how much he loved the game and who some of his favorite players were.  Before he could go any further, I stopped him and said, you need to know that Gould does not have a hockey team.

While lots of schools offer a variety of activities and opportunities, you need to find ones that have the programs you need and will provide you with the opportunities to continuing following this passion.

Say Thank You

Applying to schools can be wrought with pressure and stress, as a result, we can sometimes lose our way and forget about the small things.

So while this tip is basic, I think it is essential…always makes sure to say thank you. To students, take a few minutes to say thank you to parents, thank them for supporting you in the process and taking the time to visit schools with you. Also, remember to thank your teachers, thank them for taking the time to write recommendations on your behalf and for helping you along the way.

Parents, remember to thank your kids. It is a self-selecting group of young people that have the initiative and courage to apply to boarding schools. I would encourage you to take a few minutes to thank your children for being self-starters and possessing the desire to branch out and move confidently in the direction of their dreams.  

Guides Not Gatekeepers

Too often Admission Offices think of themselves as gatekeepers whose primary job is deciding on who can enter via an acceptance letter. Personally, I believe this mindset is completely wrong…instead I choose to focus on Admission Officers being guides whose job it is to ask and answer questions. It is through this process that students will be accepted, and thrive at whatever school is lucky enough to have them as members of their community.

Whether you are looking at Gould or just considering boarding school, please do not hesitate to reach out to me personally. I would be happy to answer your questions and share any insights I have about the admission process or what schools might be the right fit.

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Name: Kathy Doyon

High School: Mt. Abram High School-Salem ME

College/Grad School: University of Maine at Farmington, Saint Joseph’s College

What are your roles at Gould? Associate Director of Academic Skills, Assistant Field Hockey Coach, Reachout Advisor, Gould Cares Advisor, Maine Adaptive Instruction Program Coordinator

Proudest Achievement: My Girls: Maggie (4) Gabby (7) I keep a pretty good poker face when playing the role of mom-but on the inside I am often swelling with pride. I love everything that those two little girls stand for.

Last book I read: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

My soundtrack is: Eric Church, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings—I LOVE country music!

Movie I would recommend: Hallmark Christmas Movies….I love happy movies.

Favorite food: My Husband’s Nachos, and anything my mom bakes!

One word that describes me: Gritty

Best advice I ever received: My college ski coach told me that good character was doing the right thing even when you know you won’t get noticed for it. His example was picking up a piece of trash off the ground, even though you could just walk by. This is advice that has worked to explain character to my young children, but also my students.

Why Gould?
The same hope I feel when I look at my own children is what I feel when I am teaching. I think the world needs passionate leaders. In my roles at Gould, I interact with students that are driven, understanding, and kind. I build relationships with students that take their passions, mix in hard work and the ability to overcome adversity, and seeing this process gives me the drive to persevere.

What’s the last thing you crossed off your bucket list? I did a sprint triathlon this summer! (The ME State Triathlon right here in Bethel) I have my sights set on a marathon in May.

What are your interests/hobbies?  Skiing with my girls, “Earning my Turns”, Running, spending time with my family, enjoying all the Maine seasons

What is your spirit animal? Mule: Committed, hardworking, and stubborn

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Name: Brett Shifrin

High School: North Allegheny Senior High School, Wexford, Pa

College/Grad School: Miami University

What are your roles at Gould? Math Teacher, Cycling Coach, Snowboard Coach, Advisor, Director of Ninth Grade Program

Proudest Achievement: I believe that each achievement is a step towards a healthier, more enriching, and rewarding life that is balanced with the values of family, learning, growing and work.

Last book I read: Against The Gods, The Remarkable Story of Risk by Peter L. Bernstein

My soundtrack is: Rusted Root Send Me On My Way

Movie I would recommend: Victory or Blues Brothers

Favorite food: Freshly baked bread from my own oven

Words that describe me: Love to learn

Best advice I ever received: Focus on what you can control or influence

Why Gould? I enjoying interacting with the students who have a desire to learn and grow. Their desire to improve and work to meet this desire while embracing the difficulties of being a young person in 2017 is gratifying to play a small part. The connection with my colleagues, alumni, and school families reinforces the benefits of engaging in this learning community and putting each person’s perspective, needs, and goals front and center. I take great joy in seeing my current students feel confident and comfortable as learners and am constantly impressed with who my former students have become and what they are doing.

What’s the last thing you crossed off your bucket list?
I cycled 113 miles from Weld through Rangeley and Errol to Bethel on my birthday and want to thank my spouse, Sara, and daughter Mia for giving me the day to do it.

What are your interests/hobbies? Soccer, Personal Finance, Cycling, Family, Hiking, Canoeing

What is your spirit animal? Bugs Bunny

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Name: Gabby Schreffler

High School: John Jay Senior High School

College/Grad School: St. Lawrence University (Here we go SAINTS!)

What are your roles at Gould? Math teacher, Gehring dorm parent, Cross Country coach, Equestrian coach, self-proclaimed Queen of Ordway Study Hall

Gabby with the Equestrian team last fall.

Proudest Achievement: Still to come!

Last book I read: That Part Was True by Deborah McKinlay

My soundtrack is: Depends on the situation, but I’m a big fan of Spotify’s acoustic playlists.

Movie I would recommend: I’m going to change this to TV show, and it would definitely be This is Us.

Favorite food: Peanut Butter…I’ll put it on most anything.

One word that describes me: Ambitious

Best advice I ever received: My high school chemistry teacher always told us “don’t be a bump on a log.” I try to put that to use in every aspect of my life. He is the one that inspired me to go into teaching.

Why Gould? The community here is incredible. The faculty have all been to so many places and done so many amazing things; there’s never a shortage of people eager to share their passions or teach a new skill. And of course the students—it’s wonderful to live among so many genuinely happy kids. It also isn’t half bad seeing the sunrise over the mountains from my window every day.

What’s the last thing you crossed off your bucket list? Ask me in May when I finish my first marathon!

Gabby running a half marathon in the Italian Alps this past summer.

What are your interests/hobbies? I am a running enthusiast. After being a competitive rower in college, I turned to running as my athletic outlet. I ran my first half marathon last December and was instantly hooked! Since then, I’ve run a number of races, including a half marathon in the Italian Alps while I lived there for two months this summer. This weekend, I completed my 6th half and won first overall female! I love to bring the students along to races; the other participants get so excited to see Gould show up in a big marshmallow bus!

What is your spirit animal? Probably my mom’s dog BamBam. He enjoys running around the pasture for hours and then taking a long nap. Sounds a lot like me.

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